Monitoring, evaluation and compliance – the unsung hero of CSI

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Thabo Qoako | Specialist | Monitoring, Evaluation & Compliance | Momentum Metropolitan | mail me |


All eyes were on the President’s recent cabinet reshuffle; the vast majority of which was to see who would be appointed the new Minister of Electricity; responsible for putting an end to South Africa’s load shedding woes.

But amid all the noise (and Instagram memes!), you might have missed some interesting additions to the cabinet, including a new Deputy Minister for the Department for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

For many of us, this also might have been the first time we had heard of this portfolio, but it is, in fact, a key arm of government responsible for measuring impact.

The absence of rigorous monitoring structures

Monitoring, evaluation and compliance, as a formal function, is also seen in large corporates, ensuring that the business’ vision, as well as its stakeholders, are protected. However, monitoring, evaluation and compliance, as a core function of corporate social investment (CSI) programmes, is something that is not really known – or seldom spoken about.

Historically, the governance of non-profit organisations has been regarded as less rigorous than that of business. In 2017, Trialogue released a CSI trend analysis, revealing that an estimated R137 billion had been allocated to CSI endeavours since 1997. Yet during this decade, there remains little to show for it, denoting the absence of rigorous monitoring and formal reporting structures.

Unfortunately, until recently, it was widely accepted that the sector would always be flawed; displaying a distinct lack of accountability and maturity in its processes. It’s a sector that draws people who are devoted to a specific cause; but who are often – and understandably – less passionate about the more pragmatic aspects involved in running a business. But this is changing.

The need to measure impact

Corporates are starting to realise the necessity of placing experienced professionals in key positions, ensuring that NPOs are held to the same standards as any other business – with sound governance, transparent structures and a clearly defined mandate in place.

The need for a structured monitoring, evaluation and compliance (MEC) framework as part of our CSI programmes is becoming clear – and not merely to show B-BBEE compliance, but also to measure impact.

As an example, in 2018, we established a MEC portfolio, with the aim of ensuring that we make an impact in the communities we serve – one that is measurable and sustainable.

Five components form part of the portfolio:

  • Planning – ensuring that the portfolios’ programmes align with our overarching strategy;
  • Monitoring – vigorous tracking of all activities, ensuring oversight of outcomes;
  • Evaluation – programmes are assessed to gauge whether objectives were achieved;
  • Reflection and learning – following assessment is a moment to reflect on the learnings, ensuring that these are integrated into future programmes; and
  • Financial management.

In conclusion

CSI will become ever more critical in a world with deepening need, but resources will be increasingly limited.

While excessive red tape hinders progress, having clear parameters and metrics in place will help ensure that corporates remain accountable and create real value for all stakeholders; empowering organisations to make a measurable impact.


 



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